OGC/HMT publish new guidance to facilitate better use of competitive dialogue procedure

12 June 2008

The Office of Government Commerce (OGC) and the Treasury (HMT) have published new guidance to assist contracting authorities with the competitive dialogue procedure, which is used when procuring complex projects. Link to the document.

Introduced by UK Regulations in January 2006, competitive dialogue allows contracting authorities to discuss all aspects of the proposed contract with prospective bidders. The new guidance aims to clarify a number of issues, with a view to lead to a reduction in the time and cost of many public sector procurements.

Commenting on the new guidance the OGC's Executive Director of Policy, Standards and Capability, Sally Collier said: "The new guidance should help all parties to use competitive dialogue to the best effect in the most efficient way possible. This guidance should help to raise further the standards in this important and challenging area". Link to OGC announcement.

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